Making Ethical Decisions

WRD 202x – WQ2020

Marta Shcherbakova

Adopted from Josephson Institute of Ethics

What is Ethics

Ethics refers to principles that define behavior as right, good, and proper.

Such principles do not always dictate a single “moral” course of action, but provide a means of evaluating and deciding among competing interests.

The Six Pillars of Character

(Source: Josephson, Making Ethical Decisions)?

3. Responsibility

4. Fairness

5. Caring

6. Citizenship

2. Respect

1. Trustworthiness

Trustworthiness

Honest in conduct (not stealing or cheating), Integrity, Reliability (promise-keeping) and Loyalty
Our business is based on a strong tradition of trust. It is the reason our customers come to us. Honesty and integrity are cornerstones of ethical behavior – and trustworthiness and dependability are essential to lasting relationships. Our continued success depends on doing what we promise – promptly, competently and fairly. (American Express Company Code of Conduct)
Respect

Civility (courtesy and decency), Autonomy and Tolerance
Treat others with dignity – the way you would like to be treated. Be civil and decent with all employees, customers and business partners.
Responsibility

Accountability and Self-restraint
Conduct business efficiently and honorably in a manner that permits employees, suppliers, vendors, customers and members of the local community to make informed judgments and hold the company accountable.
Fairness

Impartiality and Equity
Seek to be impartial; employ independent objective judgment on merit, free from conflicts of interest – both real and apparent. Compensate all employees equitably; minimize wage disparities.
Caring

Charity and Compassion
Demonstrate a genuine sense of compassion and concern for the welfare of others – inside and outside the company walls.
Citizenship

Volunteerism (doing your share), Environmental protection and Law abidance
Honor and respect the principles and spirit of democracy. Demonstrate a commitment to the environment and to social responsibility that goes beyond legal requirements.
Making Effective Decisions

1. Recognizing important decisions

a. Could you or someone else suffer physical harm?

b. Could you or someone else suffer emotional pain?

c. Could the decision hurt your reputation, undermine your credibility, or damage important relationships?

d. Could the decision impede the achievement of any important goal?

Effective Decisions

2. Effective decision

a. Did it accomplish what I wanted?

b. Did it affect my quality of life in a positive way?

c. Is this the best I could have done given the circumstances?

3. Stakeholders – people involved/affected by the situation

Effective Decisions

Obstacles to Ethical Decisions

1. If it’s necessary, it’s ethical

2. The false necessity trap

3. If it’s legal and permissible, it’s proper

4. It’s just part of the job

5. It’s all for a good cause

Obstacles to Ethical Decisions

6. I was just doing it for you

7. I’m just fighting fire with fire

8. It doesn’t hurt anyone

9. Everyone’s doing it

10. It’s okay if I don’t gain personally

Let’s Practice

Let’s review a case and a sample Ethics Advisory Memo that responds to this case